By Vanessa Chircop
HISTORIC artillery structures that were discovered at the Williamstown Cricket Ground Pavilion earlier this year could be linked to Confederate States Ship Shenandoah’s arrival to Williamstown in 1865.
Hobsons Bay Councillor Peter Hemphill, who organised an exhibition for the Shenandoah in February this year, told the council last week that it was possible that one of the batteries could be linked to the historic ship’s unannounced arrival to Melbourne more than 145 years ago.
As reported by Star previously, a bluestone and brick artillery battery was discovered in January this year, while extractions for an underground water tank were being undertaken.
The bunker was believed to have been part of Port Phillip Bay defences dating back to the 1850s-60s.
Since the discovery, Hobsons Bay City Council and Heritage Victoria have been working with archaeologist Geoff Hewitt excavating and researching the site.
Recently, three more batteries were uncovered, but not all are in the best condition.
Cr Hemphill said for some of the bunkers there’s no benefit in renovating them so they will be filled with sand and remain buried.
However the original eastern powder magazine was discovered in good condition and will be retained and possibly made available for the public in the future.
